2006 KTR Results

[mikesee]

There were 56 starters (including 5 women) and 24 finishers (including 4 women).

Overall results:
1) Jon Brown 13:26 (overall course record, single speed course record)
2) Dave Harris 13:55
3) Jason Stubbe 14:11
4) Jay Petervary 14:41
5) Fred Wilkinson 14:48
6) Ethan Passant 14:53
7) Lynda Wallenfels 15:03 (female course record)
8) Jari Kirkland 16:28
9) Fred Marmsater 16:29
10) Adam Lisonbee 17:25
11) Marko Ross-Bryant 17:31
12) Rob Writz 17:37
13) Ed Ellinger 17:42
14) Stefan Griebel 18:40
15) Jenna Woodbury 18:59
16) Keith Richards-Dinger 19:11
17) Andrew Mesesan 19:12
18) Greg Bachman 19:29
19) Cat Morrison 20:25
20) Brad Kee 20:35
21) Bill Shand 22:11
22) Pierre Ostor 23:57
23) Essam Welch 24:30
24) Erika Van Meter 26:30

The high point (for me) of this year's race was sitting at the finish and listening to all of the stories. Not having raced, listening helped to ease the sting of being 'on the outside'. I hope that many/most/all of those involved can find the time to chime in here with a few thoughts or an anecdote from their day. Some of my favorites:
* Andrew Mesesan starting the race with a cracked frame.
* Jon Brown laying waste to the course record on a single speed bike, then downplaying the effort with an "Aww shucks, 'tweren't nuthin'" attitude as he soaked up the shade and the beer.
* Lynda Wallenfels scorching the course and placing 7th overall. She was the only one still bubbling and light on her feet afterwards.
* Dave Harris jumping into Salt Creek to cool off ~15 miles before the finish. Too bad he was too cooked to remember the Ipod and digi cam inside his jersey...
* Bill, Pierre, and Erika soldiering on to finish in the wee hours. I think these three believe that the other 20 got shorted because they didn't get as much saddle time...
* Countless stories of climbing into the La Sals under the light of a full moon that was bright enough to sew by.

Hope to hear some more.

DNF's:
Dean Cahow
Adam Bartlett
Marshall Bird
Joe Hardin
Dave Allen
Josh Squires
Gary Dye
Kevin Gillest
Josh Darnell
Lee Blackwell
Sargent McDonald
Alan Doak
Tom Stack
Bob Dawson
Brian Hannon
Jennifer Kwasnewski
Jesper Kristensen
Jim Ishman
Danny Armstrong
Kenny Jones
Jake Anderson
Travis Macy
Jon Bailey
Steve "Dr. Doom" Fassbinder
Rick Hudak
Scott Morris
Alex Dolpp
Jim Leikert
Nye Brennan
Dejay Birtch
Jake Kirkpatrick
Tom Warr

Most of the DNF's were dehydration/depletion related. While the high temp was only 85 degrees, the aridity of the region combined with the 4500' to 9000' elevations sucked the moisture out of the racers faster than they could put it back in. Nausea (due to dehydration) and sun/heatstroke were commonly reported among finishers and DNF's alike.

There were two injuries (Travis Macy broke his collarbone and Nye Brennan seperated his shoulder) but both riders were able to make it safely off course due to the kindness/sacrifices of others. To Steve Fassbinder and Rick Hudak, both of whom ended their races to assist these guys off the course: I wish the world had more people like you. Thanks.

The low point (for me) of this year's race was the widespread cheating. With the largest KTR field ever came the largest number of rules infractions ever. I witnessed many racers accepting assistance, drafting, and cutting the course, not to mention the reports/complaints I fielded from other racers of similar instances. When confronted with their infractions, these racers either denied them or tried to rationalize them. I thought long and hard about DQ'ing some of the cheaters, but decided against it. Rather than incur their misplaced wrath and create enemies and bad feelings, I simply listed the time that they crossed the line and I hope that karma sorts them out.

At this point it is extremely unlikely that I will organize this race in the future. The number of people that are interested in playing by the rules seems largely dwarfed by those who want to cheat. Why someone would feel the need to cheat at a race that offers no media attention or prize money is simply beyond my comprehension. Why these people don't simply ride the route with a sag wagon on any other day of the year is also beyond me. At any rate, I think the race has run it's course.

To all of those that played by the rules: Sorry about the harsh tone of this report. If I were able to convey my complete disappointment in the integrity of those who cheated, this would be a much darker, angrier note. Considering the time, money, effort, and heart that I've invested into this event over the past 6 years, I feel little more than hollow right now.

I can't begin to express my gratitude to all of those who've come and raced and played by the rules over the years. There were many of you in the '06 KTR, and I wish there were many more. May we meet again.

Happy trails,

Mike Curiak
KTR director

[Debaser]

I for one am happy to have you doing this sort of stuff. While I don't have any intentions of racing the koko or gdr or whatever, I love reading about it and hearing about it.

I'd like to see the future of our sport move more towards long days - and you're a driving force, thank you!

[singlespeeder13]

Mike and to all the racers great job. I have no doubts that I would have finished. However due to breaking one crank arm off and severally cracking the other I could not continue past the Dewy Bridge. However I had the water and the endurance to finish. I was very dissipointed that I could not go on. But thats the way things go. It was one of the greatest races I have ever been to. I loved the whole thing. I hope to see it carry. Even though the cheating really sucks. But we all now that cheaters never win. It was I feel still a great event. I hope that many others write in and express their thanks to Mike for making this thing happen. I hope to see it go on as well. I would love another crack at this thing. I feel very confident that I would have finished had it not been for the broken cranks. But I would like to extend a huge thanks to Mike C. for all he did.

Keep it real guys.

Thanks

[hairball_dh]

Mike - thanks for all the time and effort you've donated for all of us. Hopefully in time the sour taste will be replaced by something better...and we'll get to hit some trail together!

My blog report is here.

[alizbee]

Mike,

Thanks for your efforts. This was without a doubt the best day I have had on a bike. From the euphoric climbs under the moonlight, to the wilting heat in Rabbit Valley, it all added up to an enormous day, one that I will not soon forget.

For what it is worth, I'd hate to see the race go away, but I understand where you are coming from.

-Adam

[SeanL]

I have to ask.

What kind of dipsh*t cheats in a race that the main prize is personal gratification?

[hardyard]

Mike, sorry I haven't been able to get to a computer to contact you but I must be counted among the DNF's. I made it to the Dewey bridge in a little over 10 hours feeling okay. The next 10 miles sucked out all my energy and I made a decsion to play it on the safe side and not risk any more heat exhaustion than I had already endured and rode hwy 128 back to the dewey bridge and caught a ride (and a cold PBR) back to moab. I believe that the hardest part of the course was behind me and would have loved to push on but felt it would have been irresponsible with so many unknowns. All in all it was a great day for me and a ride that I'll never forget and that's what it's all about right. As far as the cheating you speak of I didn't see any ... but I was in the back the whole time! Remember, it's about the journey, not the destination.

Joe Hardin

[SpinWheelz]

Pardon my ignorance, since I'm not quite savvy to this race, but how does one cheat in a race such as this?

[hairball_dh]

Originally Posted by SpinWheelz

Pardon my ignorance, since I'm not quite savvy to this race, but how does one cheat in a race such as this?

The rules are very simple, very basic. No outside support whatsoever. Bring what you need, nothing more.

What's cheating?

Drafting. Water/supply caches. Accepting aid from anyone on the course.

[mp3]

There's always a few boneheads that just don't get it.
Some times do look just too close to be coincidence after riding for such a long time.
I was really looking forward to doing the KTR next year.

[Stefan_G]

Are you proud that your time is listed next to others who played by the rules? How do you feel now about finishing but not really finishing? Maybe now you're wondering if you really could've done it without cheating. Well, you don't deserve a second chance, and now it looks like you won't get one next year anyway.

The rules are so simple! Actually, there is only one rule: Solo, unsupported time-trial of the Kokopelli Trail. Many needed clarification of what “solo, unsupported” meant, and Mike happily spelled it out in no uncertain terms. No outside support. No stashing anything. No shortcutting. Pack it in, pack it out. No drafting.

I just can't get my mind around why you would even choose to join this event with the intent of cheating! The race is free, there is no registration, and there are no prizes. It is uniquely an individual test to see what you are capable of, with some competition thrown in for added motivation. In short, this race is one man's labor of love, and cheating is like stabbing Mike Curiak in the back. And then to be caught doing it and attempt to deny or rationalize your actions? WTF? I mean, seriously, WTF!?!

I hiked up Rose Garden hill at daybreak with two other racers, and then I didn't see another racer until Rabbit Valley road. There was a wonderful headwind that I battled on my own for 15 miles from Cisco landing to the Westwater Road. Feel better about drafting now?

I left the Fisher Creek ditch with 300oz of water, mostly on my back. It took me 15-20 minutes to filter this amount. Feel better about stashing or accepting water now?

Six miles from the finish, I was so toast that I had to lay down beside the trail for over an hour, drinking all the electrolytes I had just to recover enough to get to the finish line. That six miles might as well have been sixty before I spent an hour on my back recovering. Feel better about cutting the course now?

Mike was magnanimous in not calling out your names and DQ'ing you. Even though I don't feel you deserve a second chance, he has essentially given you one! Do the honorable thing - stand up, fess up, and DQ yourself. Maybe Mike and the rest of the community will accept your apology. Otherwise, you will have ruined this race for everyone.

Stefan Griebel

[mtbiker_t]

Just talked to Josh Squires and Dave Allen. They are out and on their way back to MN.

[tomdog]

I called it a day at Cisco after sucking down 70 oz. of water in 1.5 hours and still having 20 miles to go to Westwater. Just a few miles earlier, I was feeling so good...but that went downhill fast, so I cut my losses. Kudos to all those who pushed through the pain and found it in them to finish.

I was riding up to the highway, and Patti ? gave me a ride to the Westwater exit where I took a nap under the overpass. I called my wife on the cell phone and had her drive from our hotel in Fruita to come pick me up.

It's saddening to hear about a few that bent the rules to get an edge. I feel like this year I got a feel for the trail and the scale and seriousness of the KTR. As soon as I got back to the hotel, I starting thinking: "Next year, I'll do this and that differently..."

Did anyone get chased by the dogs near the sheepherder's trailer? A white dog ran after me for a while, but then gave up in the heat.

Anyhow, here's a few photos...

1) Nice guy from Michigan at the top of Rose Garden Hill
2) Dewey Bridge, a wonderful site
3) Bob and Tim? before Cisco

[edemtbs]

Thanks so much for the opportunity to compete with you. I am in absolute awe at the strength and ability all of you exhibited, finishers and non-finishers alike. Just incredible.

The only bummer for me was not meeting more of you at the finish.

MC, thanks for sharing the pioneering inspiration, vision and philosophy. This truly is the kind of epic race I enjoy. Oh, and thanks for those slices of pizza at the end. I honestly didn't think I could eat anything but I wolfed those down and felt way better.

I posted my novel here w/ a few pics (subject to further editing )

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=140861&page=7

Until we see each other again -

Ed E

[Mike Brown]

If you have collaborative eyewitnesses or other signigicant evidence, what about reporting suspected cheaters to other large promoters in private e-mails? Then those promoters could choose to not allow the individuals to enter their events.
A minor consequence, but a consequence nevertheless.
I hope you have this event next year- I already have it in mind.
Mike

[LyndaW]

FWIW I saw a real clean race full of savvy and honest competitors relishing the challenge set out. I saw some drafting in the first few minutes near the start up Sand Flats road when it was crowded but that was somewhat unavoidable for about 20 minutes until it thinned out.

My report of my wee slice of the race is here

[tomdog]

I didn't see any funny business going on either. That's not to say it didn't happen...just not in my range of view. I crashed going down North Beaver Mesa...went headfirst into the sand. It probably looked a lot worse than it was. A rider stopped to ask if I was OK, but offered me no further assistance.

I saw people waiting to watch the riders go by at certain points on the course...but as far as I could tell, no support was offered.

I am still in awe at the power and endurance of most of the riders who were in this event.

[alizbee]

Originally Posted by edemtbs

Thanks so much for the opportunity to compete with you. I am in absolute awe at the strength and ability all of you exhibited, finishers and non-finishers alike. Just incredible.

MC, thanks for sharing the pioneering inspiration, vision and philosophy. This truly is the kind of epic race I enjoy.

The only bummer for me was not meeting more of you at the finish.

I posted my novel here w/ a few pics (subject to further editing )

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=140861&page=7

Until we see each other again -

Ed E

Nice write up Ed. Congrats on a good finish. Your experience on Salt Creek really mirrored mine. That hike-a-bike stuff just kicked me in the gut over and over. Eventually I had to stop and soak my head with the last bit of water I had. When I finally hit Mary's, I was blessing and cursing her all at once. FYI, the third pic in your write up is me. If I remember right, that is on Mary's.

[trail717]

[QUOTE=mikesee] The low point (for me) of this year's race was the widespread cheating. [/quote]

Mike, first let me say thanks again for the KTR experience! Even though I did not finish (dropped out at Cisco Landing) I enjoyed this event more than any other in 20 yrs of mountain biking!! From a purely selfish point of view I hope you DO IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR. I even started re-tuning my strategy for 07 while sitting/waiting at Cisco Landing (thanks to Debby (?) from Steamboat for calling my wife to come get me). I am now totally bummed to read you may not do it next yr. For whatever it is worth I would like to relate three personal experiences on cheating.

First, because I had the chance to pre ride the course I was aware of the sharp left turn off of Sand Flats road, I knew it would be easy to miss at night as you are going down hill and you could fly right by. When I saw the turn approaching I realized the rider 10 yards in front of me was missing the turn so without thinking I instinctively yelled to him. Who knows how far he would of gone if I had not yelled, maybe 20 yrs, maybe a mile. Opps I just out of the blue gave a little outside support.

Second, I did see two riders who apparently were taking some type of support from a pickup truck at the top second climb, right where the pavement ends. Time was about 4:10am so why would anyone feel the need to cheat this far back???. I was riding up without lights and could not see exactly what they were doing but as soon as they saw the lighted rider coming up behind me the truck pulled away and the two riders walked away from their bikes as if trying to hide? I had some mixed feelings right then but decided not to waste any energy or emotion on cheaters, didn’t say a word and instead took in the awesome night view and focused on the fact that I had topped out the climb ahead of my personal turtle schedule and could look forward to some downhill time. The whole thing was soon out of my mind and I was back in focus on MY ride.

Third experience happened at Cisco Landing waiting for my wife to come pick me up. I had dropped out with mild heat exhaustion a few hours earlier and was sitting in the shade by the river when two SS riders came in (Husband & Wife) and filled there water bottles. We chatted for a few minutes as they debated pushing on or dropping out. It was quite late in the day but after a little discussion they decided to keep going, at least to Westwater, when they rode off I noticed they went the wrong way, they tried to follow the river instead of going back up to road where the KT turned off.. About 5 or 10 min later the Husband reappeared by himself, I asked what happened and he said they went the wrong way and that his wife had a flat and could not get her pump to work and of course he could not let her use his pump. So he had come back to maybe scrounge some ice water from some rafters to take back to his wife as they would now have to quit or cheat by using his pump. The rafters had left so there was no ice to be had (so no support here) and he started back up the false trail to collect the wife. About two min later they both rode back with big smiles; she had got the pump to work while he was gone, fixed her own tire and with a big smile and wave they off and going again. I felt more than a little skeptical about them finishing the entire course but they clearly had the right spirit about not taking outside support.

I realize for the riders at the top end of the pyramid it must really rub the wrong way that someone cheated to place higher on the finish time sheet. But Mike my 2 cents is that if other than for the cheaters (who just don’t get it) you would do your KTR again next yr you should do so. Just don’t let anyone who is missing the whole point of an epic unsupported race/ride spoil it for you. If on the other hand after 6 yrs of doing this you are ready to turn a page in life so be it.

Thanks Again
M Bird

[Pivvay]

To all those who finished, a huge congrats! I'm having a wonderful time reading each and every story.

To all those who cheated, I don't know what to say. I've been looking forward to KTR 2007 since I found out I couldn't race this year and if it doesn't happen I suppose I'll just line up on my own and go it solo anyway.

[edemtbs]

Originally Posted by tomdog

Did anyone get chased by the dogs near the sheepherder's trailer? A white dog ran after me for a while, but then gave up in the heat.

Dogs!! You encountered those sheep dogs! I went through a herd of sheep (naked little buggers looked like they had been recently sheared) but luckily there were no dogs when I went by them. As I approached the sheep I totally got worried about the dogs.

Thank goodness they did not "hound" you any worse than a short chase. I had to wait for 20-30 mins. this spring when three of them surrounded me and wouldn't let me move. They were quite nasty.

Ed E

[hairball_dh]

Originally Posted by Pivvay

if it doesn't happen I suppose I'll just line up on my own and go it solo anyway.

Good point. I mean no disrespect to MC when I say that as an individual TT, it can be done anytime, so even if it wasn't "organized", one could still go for the challenge, the experience.

There simply would not be the same aura without MC as the organizing catalyst, though. He brought 56 enduro nutz together at midnight under a full moon from far and wide, 56 folks that under ordinary circumstances don't get the opportunity to meet and ride together.

This one's gonna take time. Time to heal, forgive, forget...and confess. Then we'll see what happens in a year. Hope to ride with a bunch of likeminded crackheads in the not too distant future once again...

[Pivvay]

Originally Posted by hairball_dh

Good point. I mean no disrespect to MC when I say that as an individual TT, it can be done anytime, so even if it wasn't "organized", one could still go for the challenge, the experience.

There simply would not be the same aura without MC as the organizing catalyst, though. He brought 56 enduro nutz together at midnight under a full moon from far and wide, 56 folks that under ordinary circumstances don't get the opportunity to meet and ride together.

This one's gonna take time. Time to heal, forgive, forget...and confess. Then we'll see what happens in a year. Hope to ride with a bunch of likeminded crackheads in the not too distant future once again...

I 100% agree with you. I hope MC runs it again because it would just not be the same solo. I will feel like I missed out if he doesn't. But I understand how much work it is and to do it for free and feel like you are slapped in the face.

[IttyBittyBetty]

Trail717,

That was me and my boyfriend Jesper, the SS couple, you ran into at Cisco Landing. Thanks for noting how we maintained a strict rule not to cheat, even though Jesper could easilly have fixed my flat for me. We did end up dropping out at Westwater, with mixed feelings even now. However, the race was an amazing experience and I too have been devising my plans to make it to the end next year. I truly hope Mike realizes what fair-minded racers got out of this event and holds it again.

[edemtbs]

Originally Posted by alizbee

Nice write up Ed. Congrats on a good finish. Your experience on Salt Creek really mirrored mine. That hike-a-bike stuff just kicked me in the gut over and over. Eventually I had to stop and soak my head with the last bit of water I had. When I finally hit Mary's, I was blessing and cursing her all at once. FYI, the third pic in your write up is me. If I remember right, that is on Mary's.

Hey Adam -

I would have introduced myself to you but MC told me how you were feeling so I decided to just go lay on my back on a picnic table before I puked.

Great job and nice finish. If only I'd been just 18 mins. faster, I could have cracked the top ten like you did!!

And yes that is Mary's very near the finish, after Horsethief but before Rustlers - that is where my friend was positioned when he took the pic.

Ed E

[alizbee]

Originally Posted by edemtbs

Hey Adam -

I would have introduced myself to you but MC told me how you were feeling so I decided to just go lay on my back on a picnic table before I puked.

Great job and nice finish. If only I'd been just 18 mins. faster, I could have cracked the top ten like you did!!

Ed E

doh!...you should have come over. I looked a lot worse than I felt. It took me about 30 minutes to get my composure back after the race.


I managed to get a detailed report of my own up. It can be read here

[dmsigurdur]

All who attempted this event are amazing . It seemed to be very difficult and the temps weren't doing you any favours.
I noticed one of my heroes finished (Pierre) and that places him one step higher to guru in my books.
Mike , I hope that things weren't to disappointing for you this year and you find some satisfaction in helping others find self reliance and strength . Remember you cannot save them all , only the ones who want to be saved.
I myself find this event very interesting and if other editions happen in the future I might have to learn to be more self reliant . I guess I should start by learning how to ration food and water.
Dallas " learning the ropes" Sigurdur

[singlespeeder13]

I have been reading the comments on here about the race. I believe that it is important that we keep doing this event even if Mike cannot for what ever the reason. I hope that we as a group can keep this going hopefuly with Mike backing it up. I loved this event and the pain felt great. I would like to note that the cheating that everyone has been talking about, I did not see any cheating on the course. I hope we can race in 2007.

[trail717]

Originally Posted by IttyBittyBetty

Trail717,

That was me and my boyfriend Jesper, the SS couple,......

Sorry if I got you and Jesper married at Cisco Landing. Glad to hear you both made Westwater ok. As you and Jesper rode off I was admiring your 'can do' attitude and feeling bad that I had earlier taken outside support and called in my wife for rescue, I was about ready to go again.

Unrelated Side Note: I am not sure how hot it really got but my cycle computer thermometer (not very accurate) consistently showed temps in the mid to high 90's at McGraw Bottom around 1:00pm

[Ridemore24]

For putting on the show. Congrats to jon and the rest of the crew that burned up the course. It sure scourched my sorry @$$.

Mike, I hope you slowly change your mind and that we will have more MC-style events to look forward too and plan for.

Fred M

[SlowerThenSnot]

Too cool guys and gals... Way to ride it!

Cheats and the such may your armpits be infested with fleas from a 1000 camels


Mike way to go for putting this on and putting up with what bugs you. Such a cool event hope to do next year wheather its just me or abunch of other folks out there with me.

[RDub-D2]

Originally Posted by mp3

There's always a few boneheads that just don't get it.
Some times do look just too close to be coincidence after riding for such a long time.
I was really looking forward to doing the KTR next year. :mad:

Some of those close times are coincidence. The Kokopelli is the equalizer, in particular the "oven" hike-a-bikes between Salt Creek and the top of Troy Built. There is a common theme from a group of folks who got caught in a heat index over 90 degrees in that area, and it kinda compressed us together. Like Mike told me after the race (not the exact words): You never know what is going to happen out there.

As I sat above the first hike after Salt Creek I saw Stefan and DJ? (singlespeeder) arrive at the creek. A few minutes later I passed Adam who was sitting in the only piece of shade for miles soaking his head in an attempt to lower his body temperature. Adam then passed me at the top of Troy Built where I was crashed next to a boulder. I think Lynda's blog and Ed's comments describe that section well.

This was a great race of personal gratification, here are my high-lites:
-The full moon... beautiful. It was so bright that I mistook it for someone's light a few times.

-Riding near Lynda and Jari from the Porcupine Rim turn-off through Dewey Bridge. It was absolutely amazing to be able to watch atheletes of that caliber! At Dewey I stopped to munch on my peanut putter & jelly and they showed me the wheel from there.

-Digging myself out of the deepest hole I have ever found myself in. I felt pretty good all the way to Salt Creek and then just got slapped in the heat (heat exhaustion/stroke?). It took all my gutz to finish. Thats all I can say about that... It was a very personal experience.

Thanks everyone for the race! I understand Mike's feelings, and respect his right to do as he chooses. I can only imagine how many similar races such as this will spawn from here? Get together with your friends, set up your own rules, make up your own course, and have fun.

Rob W.

[sherpaxc]

What I want to know is how that water bottle caged worked out for the ex WW owner....

[Timo]

Originally Posted by mikesee

The low point (for me) of this year's race was the widespread cheating. ........ Rather than incur their misplaced wrath and create enemies and bad feelings, I simply listed the time that they crossed the line and I hope that karma sorts them out.

At this point it is extremely unlikely that I will organize this race in the future. .

Happy trails,

Mike Curiak
KTR director

Congrats to all of you who attempted this journey, props to those who completed it, and even more for those who planned it.

I'm not sure if MC is taking suggestions right now but how about this: Hold future races under two categories - Unsupported and Supported. Post the times for the Unsupported people, and just list Supported as "finishers" if they complete. Unsupported being held under rules, and Supported being caches, drafting, etc. You will automatically parse out a bunch of cheating violations and people can still ride the route with the relative safety of big numbers...while others can show their survival skills in the Unsupported category.

Its always easier to remove the opportunity for cheating than it is to police violations.

[edemtbs]

Originally Posted by sherpaxc

What I want to know is how that water bottle caged worked out for the ex WW owner....

That MTBR episode briefly crossed my mind as I rode on Saturday.

I was lucky and able to carry three bottles on my WW's.

Ed E

[Eddie O]

Great job to all those that finished within the rules. I hate to see this race go away as I was planned to attend next year.

To the cheaters....thanks for nothing folks. I cannot begin to comprehend why.

MC, please reconsider.

Eddie O

[Stefan_G]

First of all, a huge thanks to MC for organizing this race and then going even further by sacrificing his participation in the ride for the sake of "policing" it. Along with many others, I sincerely hope this race will continue in the future as I am already thinking about how I could improve and what I would do differently next year. Congratulations to everyone who even had the guts to start this race!

Stats from my bike computer:

• 142.07 miles (Includes 2 wrong/missed turns and backtracks. < 4 miles extra)
• 14,930 cumulative feet of elevation gain
• 98F high (bottom of Bitter Creek hill ~2pm?)
• 43F low (Fisher Creek/Ditch ~3am)
• 16h15m pedal time (finished in 18h40m), max. speed 41.2mph

Highs

• Moonlight, moonlight, beautiful moonlight! No artificial lights needed for the uphills. I love riding by the moonlight, and the temps and atmosphere were absolutely perfect!
• Banana Cream Ensure. Holy Smokes!!! I'd never had one before, so I only brought 1. Wish I had 6!
• Learning what it feels like to be efficient! I arrived at Dewey bridge at 7:28am, and left at 7:35am after drinking that awesome Ensure, removing my jacket and legwarmers, relubing my chain and my a$$, slathering on sunscreen, switching to dark sunglasses and trading windstopper gloves for biking gloves. Only 7 minutes! Probably slow by some people's standards, but I'm used to spending 30 minutes for something like that.
• Staying efficient! I rode from Dewey to Rabbit Valley with only a couple of 1 minute stops. I ate solely while in the saddle which I've never done before.
• Splashing in Salt Creek. Words can't even begin to describe how good that felt...
• Forcing myself to continue at a snails pace along Lion's and Mary's loop to get to the finish line. At that point, I had given up all thoughts about my finishing time/rank, and everything became an intimate and intense personal journey of self-willpower. This certainly felt like the low point of the race at the time, but in retrospect, it has to be a highest point since my body was screaming to take the frontage road, but my mind pointed my bike around Mary's Loop. It sounds like a few of us had very similar personal experiences during those last 10 miles!
• Eating 2 lbs of watermelon immediately upon finishing.
• Puking 2 lbs of watermelon thereby curing my debilitating nauseousness from eating it in the first place!

In-Betweens

• The guy(s) behind me going up Sand Flats Rd. and then Castleton Gateway Rd. that insisted on riding with their lights on, spraying random light all over the place when the moon was more than enough for the smooth uphills. Yes, I know, I'm a dork. It wouldn't have been a big deal, but I didn't want to fall back, and I wasn't strong enough to pull far ahead...
• Meeting Rob W. three different times, and asking what his name was all three times. Doh! Sorry Rob! Hopefully we'll meet again so I can ask a 4th time...
• My front shock seal exploded just before Rabbit Valley and sprayed my front rotor with oil. Fortunately, I was able to force it back on and continue. Compression was good, but rebound was quite clunky.

Lows

• Meeting Travis M. and Steve F. on the first gravel downhill. Travis was walking in front, with Steve pushing their two bikes. I immediately stopped and asked if everything was alright. Travis replied nonchalantly, "Oh, I broke my collar bone." That made me far more queasy than he looked! I had no cellphone service either and was just no help to them. In hindsight, I wish I would have given him my longsleeve fleece jacket.
• Getting chased by that m0th3r fock!ng, big, white sheep dog for about a mile while the sheep herder and his other two dogs just walked along in the distance. He was probably laughing, but my adrenaline and heart rate were higher for that mile than any other time during the race!
• Running out of gas and starting to cramp on Lion's loop. I had to lay down for over an hour before I could summon the mental stamina to force myself onward.
• Learning about cheaters at the end, especially after what I had just experienced to get to the finish line.

Thanks for reading!

Cheers,
Stefan

[IttyBittyBetty]

Here's a link to my own journey along the Kokopelli Trail this past weekend:

http://jesperperl.com/words/ktr/

[alizbee]

Reading the many stories that are coming out of the race keep bringing up a re-occurring theme. Personal Triumph. People had to dig deep to get to the finish, or however far they got. People learned things about themselves that they hadn't previously known. People overcame doubt, exhaustion, heat, thirst, and the unknown and came out of the race better riders, better people, better competitors.

For me, like many others, I was at a personal low point struggling through the final 10-15 miles. I had to go to places I didn't know I had to continue onward. Even the very last climb over the graded road and into the finish I had to break up into little pieces. "Get to the bush...ok good, now get to the bend...ok man over the top..."

I really hope it will be these stories of digging deep that will stick in the minds of people who rode in, and participated in this race. To me, these capture the spirit of the KTR. To try and cheat the race, is cheating your own experience. In the end it is just a bike race. One that gets little to no media coverage, offers no prize, and generates little hype. The experience is the reward, and to cheat yourself out of it undermines the entire purpose for racing in such an event.

MC, whether you run the race again or not, don't let the ones who cheated themselves out of the great experience get you down. This years KTR exposed a lot of people to a vision that I think you have been trying to share for a long time. Take some satisfaction in knowing that many others are now starting to "get it".

Some high points for me:

--The moonlight ride was incredible. Much has been said about it. Words do no justice though.
--The long and rocky, 29er friendly descent off North Beaver Mesa. It was just plain 'ol fun at that point.
--Sunrise near Top of The World. Deejay Birtch and I had been yoyo-ing for a while, as the sun rose he said, almost in a whisper "we made it". It was a beautful morning.

Over the last few days I have been running the race through my head over and over. It has been a life changing day for me. Maybe that sounds dramatic, and perhaps it is. But I now have a tank that is deeper than I ever thought it could be. I know next time when it is time to dig, just how deep I can go.

Here's to the next ride, and finding new ways to dig deeper than we ever thought possible.

Thanks Mike.

[hairball_dh]

Originally Posted by IttyBittyBetty

Here's a link to my own journey along the Kokopelli Trail this past weekend:

http://jesperperl.com/words/ktr/

That sounds like a burly ride, no question! Jen, I think you are too hard on yourself. Conditions were considerably tougher than 2 weeks previous when I pre-rode (and yes that pre-ride was worth a million bucks in the end), and to SS that terrain is just amazing. Lots of great pictures! Thanks for posting those, it was sorta like riding the course again.

Stephan, your account had me in stitches at times. Salt creek was wonderful, eh? Glad I missed the watermelon...

I know MC is enjoying all of our accounts of the epic journey, be it physical or mystical...and sharing them is one way we can both show our appreciation for his efforts and let him know he's doing good things.

[LyndaW]

Originally Posted by IttyBittyBetty

Here's a link to my own journey along the Kokopelli Trail this past weekend:

http://jesperperl.com/words/ktr/

Wow, I didn't realize you were on your SS - that is a brave move. Congrats on being gutsy with that. You made it further than any other gal on an SS - mega kudos. Actually you made it further than a few of the SS fellas out there too. What gear were you guys running?

Nice write up. Thanks for sharing your day.

LW

[edemtbs]

Originally Posted by IttyBittyBetty

Here's a link to my own journey along the Kokopelli Trail this past weekend:

http://jesperperl.com/words/ktr/

Jen -

I can do nothing but compliment you and Jesper on your attempt! Fantastic sportsmanship, serious drive and tough athleticism highlight your story. You guys are awesome.

You kept writing that you weren't thinking clearly but I think you made very wise decisions throughout the ride including the one to stop despite what your hearts were set on, the finish. Those are the toughest decisions to make.

So you may have mixed feelings but I don't. You guys rocked, you accomplished a heck of a ride and you are already looking forward to the next time - nice!

Congrats and see you out there -

Ed E

[believe]

Originally Posted by IttyBittyBetty

Here's a link to my own journey along the Kokopelli Trail this past weekend:

http://jesperperl.com/words/ktr/

Excellent writeup !

I agree with hairball_dh, you are being way too hard on yourself.
Think of all the challenges you attempted at once and all on one gear.
You and Jesper went for it and gave 100%. How great to have a partner
to share the experience with along with the other racers (even without being able to help each other with support).

good luck on your next endeavor !
k

[MarkoInTheBoat]

Thanks for putting the on the race Mike, mid-day Saturday was the most unpleasant few hours of my life. However the feeling of accomplishment I have from surviving the desert is worth every second of agony I went through.
It definitely sucks that people chose not to fess up to cheating during the race. Asking for support on such a brutal course is not unrealistic due to the harsh conditions, but to lie about it and pretend that you finished by the rules is completely lame.
After the way the race went this year I totally respect your decision to retire the KTR. But maybe the number of DNF's this year will be a wake up call to anyone who thinks they can just show up and crank out the Kokopelli Trail self-supported.

FYI- Essam Welch is just fine. I got a message from him on Sunday and it sounds like he had a hell of a day out on course.
Essam made it to Loma without any outside support at 12:35 AM Sunday. It sounds like he lost some or all of his chainring bolts and he had to finish the race with zip ties holding his chainrings on!!!

Nice job Essam! 1 week after winning Duo category at 18 hours of Fruita.

All you single speed racers kicked ass too! I cant begin to imagine how much fun it must have been for you guys and gals.

-My best memory from the race- Sunrise between Rose Garden Hill and Dewey Bridge. I said to Kevin Gillest, "I sure wish I could enjoy this, but I know how bad it is going to suck from here on out"
-My worst memory from the race- Riding through the Juniper bushes between Westwater road and Bitter Creek. It must have been 105 degrees with no breeze.

Thats it for now, see everyone on the trails!

Marko

[frejwilk]

I’m usually a lurker in these forums. I enjoy reading the posts, and using the forum to find out about some events I might otherwise miss. It’s important (and nice) to see so many positive posts here, so I’ll add to it, and give my own take on this event.

I raced the KTR in 2005. I think 15 people started that one, and it seemed like a big field to me. I had high hopes that year. I spent a fair bit of the race riding with or chasing Jon Brown. Ironically, I can probably count the words we shared on my hands. It was a race, and I was doing all I could to keep him in sight! Unfortunately, I missed a turn along the way. I went right by the turn into the small canyon before the ‘Top of the World’ intersection. I kept riding though, and eventually finished in a reasonable time. Due to my mistake I was listed in the results as unclassified. I was disappointed in this, and let Mike (and some others) know it. I did, however, agree with the decision. It would have been nice to have a result to boast about, but at least it didn’t appear anyone thought I was trying to shortcut the course to save time. I definitely didn’t ride the complete route, and it was the right result. I figured I would have 2006 to ride again.

I was a little more nervous this year with the predicted larger field, many of whom I knew to be very fast from direct experience. For me, this was a huge draw of the 2006 event. It is nice that we’re not riding in circles, paying some outrageous entry fee, digging deep to find our limits, and everything else that accompanies this type of ride. For me though, I was very excited to test myself against several others on this particular, difficult course. I really like the idea that the course is a fixed, known, physical place; the Kokopelli Trail. People can pre-ride it, or not. They can read about it, talk to others who’ve ridden it, and know that others have wondered how fast they can ride it (and will continue to wonder, and try). I wanted it to be a race, not just a long ride. I was excited that there would be such a field present!

I can’t say that I agreed with the no drafting rule. My opinion was, and is, that there is a big difference between trading pulls to keep the speed up, and fighting not to lose a wheel at crunch time (inevitably at slow speed on a climb). That said, the most important thing here is that if you’ve got your own ideas for the race – great – organize your own race! I admire and respect Mike for having the idea to run this race, and then inviting others (including me) to participate. I lined up at the start in full support of the race as it stands!

On with the riding part. I wasn’t able to stay with the lead group up Sand Flats road. I eased back, and immediately small groups of riders started to shoot past. I wasn’t too worried, as I had a good pace worked out, and was confident that if I maintained it, I’d place OK. By the time I reached the Kokopelli spur to the loop road, I was feeling much better. The descent, and paved climb went well. I did use my lights the whole way, and hope I didn’t disturb the moonlit night for anyone. I simply didn’t want to focus on any more of the climb than I had to. Past Fisher Mesa, and down off North Beaver Mesa, I couldn’t believe how much of an effort some people were putting in. In particular, the Gary Fisher SS’er I rode with was riding really hard through some obvious difficulties. At the top of Rose Garden hill there were still quite a few more riders near me than I had expected. I pushed on (often literally) through the next section, just hoping to stay consistent. Things were a bit more strung out when I reached the Entrada Bluffs road. I had Jay Petervary, and Ethan Passant for company, and I didn’t miss my turn this time! At Dewey Bridge, we got some misinformation on our placings, although I think the time splits were right. Not that we were soliciting this information. People just kept telling us. At any rate we were placed better than I thought. Ethan was able to pull away at this point. Jay and I were pretty evenly matched though, and it was good to have someone to ride with. We were very conscious to ride beside each other. It was just as helpful for morale to be able to talk and see another rider, as to be obvious about not drafting. It didn’t seem like we were going that fast, but we were still on a good pace. I was secretly hoping and calculating for a 14hr finish. If Jay was having similar thoughts, he didn’t let on. Laid back, and comfortable, are the words that come to my mind to describe him. By the time we reached the singletrack, we had caught Ethan. I’m not sure how much of that was our speed. Probably we were the beneficiaries of the conditions taking their toll on another rider. Whatever the case, Ethan proceeded to give us a demonstration of riding skills down the trail to the creek. The gap was there again when we crossed the bridge. If only I knew others were cooling off here. It never occurred to me. I would suffer from that lack of knowledge shortly. I had been eating and drinking well, and feeling good. Once we started up the hike-a-bikes though, I wilted. The climb up toward the Lions junction was ridiculous. The three of us were all on the hill at the same time, and if there was any film of it, you’d swear we were in slow motion, if moving at all! I finally let Jay by to go on and finish the race in reasonable time. I think he had been hanging back with me for a while to make sure I’d be OK. Once he was gone, I made the decision to try everything I could to recover a bit. I knew that otherwise I would be more or less walking and suffering a lot more than I was prepared for. At this point, I’d reluctantly begun to accept the ‘racing’ part as getting away from me. I sat down, and drank every last bit of drink I had. Most of it was boiling hot energy drink. With the last of my water, I forced down a couple of gels, and that was it. At first I felt a little better. Then it started to get easier to actually ride again. I got back up to a normal pace. I was now inspired by the thought of getting in under 15hrs. Even though I felt good again, I couldn’t let go of the idea that it wasn’t going to last. I passed Ethan less than two miles from the finish, probably. It seemed kind of lame to be ‘racing’ by someone obviously having trouble, so close to the finish. All I wanted was to be done. I figured he’d understand. So I sprinted over the hill to come in under fifteen hours, and take 15min off last year’s time. In the end I was pleased that I had been able to get through such a bad spot. I know others experienced a lot worse. It really is impressive what some battled through. Although I didn't see as many racers as others probably did, I only witnessed people trying their hardest, and riding within the spirit of the event.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere after the race. Talking to others about their adventure, drinking beers with new friends, getting to talk to others that I don’t see very often. Last year, with the time spread between finishers, and smaller numbers, that whole scene never really happened.

So, like everyone else, I’m thankful to Mike for organizing the event. It is too bad that the satisfaction is not there for him that a lot of us are able to feel. I hope that can change, or at least ease with some of these race stories. My biggest satisfaction from this year was realizing the chance to ‘officially’ finish. I’m sure there are others who are thinking of this for another potential edition of the KTR. Hopefully others will continue to post experiences and thoughts on this year. It’s a long post. Thanks for reading,

Fred W.

[Adam]

Great job MC. Now that the race is over, I WILL thank you again.

My writeup and pics are over on the Alaska board at:

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=192357

I really enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts on the race, hope you enjoy mine.

Adam

[IttyBittyBetty]

Thanks Lynda, Dave, Ed, and everyone else for making me feel all warm and fuzzy! But seriously, of course I'm too hard on myself. Like most of you who also attempted this ride, I set high expectations for myself. Writing my race report and reading all the others is helping me feel better about my race. However, that accepatance isn't dimishing my resolve to go back, with what I've learned, and complete the race next year.

FWI Lynda, I rode a 32X20, which I thought was easy enough to lessen the impact of all the climbing. I still think that was the right gearing for me, I just need to improve my climbing. I see a lot of hill work in my future... It's all good - more time on the bike!

Trail717, Jesper and I are still laughing about getting married at Cisco Landing! We even joked about actually doing it, although it isn't exactly the most romantic spot.

[donkey]

I'm having a hard time understanding why a person would cheat in an event such as this. I can understand how people might find themselves drafting another rider.....it's a long ride and the mind becomes a little fuzzy after awhile.....this is a mistake I could make and hardly even realize it.

However....I can't understand why you would cut the course or accept food/water/outside support. I think Mike made it pretty clear that outside support meant outside support. There's not alot of gray there.

I'd like to see those who may have broken the rules(intentionally or unintentionally) own up to it. It doesn't diminish your accomplishment in the least...but it may restore some of the honor in this type of racing and help to keep these events going in the future. I would hate to see such a unique event cease to exist because a few people aren't playing by the rules.

I had to call off the Koko this year due to a cross country move....but I am already planning for next year....I hope I get the chance.

Thanks for your efforts Mike,

B

[Guitar Ted]

The low point (for me) of this year's race was the widespread cheating. With the largest KTR field ever came the largest number of rules infractions ever. I witnessed many racers accepting assistance, drafting, and cutting the course, not to mention the reports/complaints I fielded from other racers of similar instances. When confronted with their infractions, these racers either denied them or tried to rationalize them. I thought long and hard about DQ'ing some of the cheaters, but decided against it. Rather than incur their misplaced wrath and create enemies and bad feelings, I simply listed the time that they crossed the line and I hope that karma sorts them out

Mike C.

I don't mean to speak for Mike. He is obviously quite capable. I would just like to point out that as a race promoter and organizer myself, (Trans Iowa) I can tell you that the organization and planning that is necessitated by an event such as this takes alot of time and money. The event takes on a life of it's own and you are intimately wrapped up in it as a promoter. When such a thing happens like it did to Mike, you are devastated. It's personal for me, and I suspect that it might be for Mike as well.

Why would someone do things outside of the rules of the event? It doesn't really matter. It's done and unless there is repentance on the part of the violators I doubt that anything else will matter.

The best thing to do is to keep giving back with all your wonderful stories! That's the pay-off for me when I do this sort of thing. I suspect Mike is enjoying all the tales you are telling here, on your blogs, and elsewhere. This has been a great thread to read.

Sorry to dredge up this again, but I thought that a view from the promoters side of the fence might give some perspective here.

Carry on!

[TomP]

Originally Posted by mikesee

Overall results:
1) Jon Brown 13:26 (overall course record, single speed course record)
2) Dave Harris 13:55
3) Jason Stubbe 14:11
4) Jay Petervary 14:41
5) Fred Wilkinson 14:48
6) Ethan Passant 14:53
7) Lynda Wallenfels 15:03 (female course record)
8) Jari Kirkland 16:28
9) Fred Marmsater 16:29
10) Adam Lisonbee 17:25
11) Marko Ross-Bryant 17:31
12) Rob Writz 17:37
13) Ed Ellinger 17:42
14) Stefan Griebel 18:40
15) Jenna Woodbury 18:59
16) Keith Richards-Dinger 19:11
17) Andrew Messassin 19:12
18) Greg Bachman 19:29
19) Cat Morrison 20:25
20) Brad Kee 20:35
21) Bill Shand 22:11
22) Pierre Ostor 23:57
23) Essam Welch 24:30
24) Erika Van Meter 26:30

I snapped a few digi photos out on Mary's Loop while waiting for a couple racers to finish. Here they are with the names I'm guessing that belong, based on the finish order:


Adam Lisonbee?


Marko Ross-Bryant?


Rob Writz?


Ed Ellinger (hey Ed)

Let me know if I have the names assigned correctly, and I'll get the (big) original photo files to the racers if they'd like.

I just got back from Fruita. Spent a week including the race weekend. Didn't race, but ran Andrew Mesesan (aka Mesassassin) over to Moab for the start. I got in some huge rides, met some great people, and had a damned nice time.

I did not get a pre-finishing picture of Andrew, timing wasn't right. But I do have a few pictures of his Karate Monkey with the Soup Can/Hose Clamp/Turnbuckle system he used for keeping the cracked chainstay from going super-critical during the race:



Now I'm back in "real life", all bruises, bug bites, burns, dirty laundry, creaky bicycle.

Nice.